A refined stress-strain analysis in the load transfer zone of flat specimens of high-strength unidirectional composites in uniaxial tension 1. Theoretical analysis

With the use of an analytical approach developed, the influence of distribution of a tangential load on the stress concentration in uniaxially tensioned flat specimens of high-strength unidirectional composites near the grips of a testing machine is evaluated. In view of singularity of the analytical solution derived at the points of discontinuity of boundary conditions, for estimating the stress concentration, it is suggested to employ the averaged value of longitudinal stresses, which is calculated by means of an improper integral across the thickness of a near-surface layer.